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Lots of scams

Southern Africa

Tourist scams in South Africa

Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.
  1. 1 TheftCommonAirport baggage theftThieves take valuables from checked luggage. They may have only a few seconds to open a bag and remove something.Johannesburg 3Read
  2. 2 TheftCommonPickpocketingSomeone takes money, a phone or other small valuables from your pockets or bag without you noticing.Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg 2Read
  3. 3 TheftCommonStreet robbery and robbery on walking trailsAn attacker threatens you and takes your belongings. Weapons may be involved. Robberies also occur on Table Mountain footpaths in Cape Town.Deserted streets, unsafe areas and isolated walking routes, including Table Mountain footpaths 2Read
  4. 4 TheftCommonCar theftA vehicle is stolen. The risk of crime rises during power cuts, when cameras and security systems may stop working.Across South Africa 1Read
  5. 5 Hotels and roomsCommonBurglary and theft from accommodationThieves enter a property or take valuables left within easy reach. Items visible through an open window can be an easy target.Across South Africa; hotel-room precautions are also highlighted for Cape Town 2Read
  6. 6 On the streetCommonStreet cons and pressure to follow a strangerA stranger approaches with an offer or pressures you to follow them somewhere. Street con artists are reported, but no single story or script is described.Streets across South Africa, including central Cape Town and Johannesburg 2Read
  7. 7 TheftOccasionalBag and jewellery snatchingA thief grabs an unsecured bag or pulls visible jewellery from its wearer. Bags left beside a chair can be taken quickly.Public places across South Africa; Cape Town commuter trains 3Read
  8. 8 TheftOccasionalSmash-and-grab theft from carsA thief breaks a vehicle window and grabs belongings while the car is stopped or moving slowly.Pretoria, Cape Town 2Read
  9. 9 TheftOccasionalCarjackingAttackers force the driver or passengers out and take the vehicle.Pretoria 2Read
  10. 10 Cards and ATMsOccasionalUnwanted ATM help and stuck-card consA con artist offers to help with an ATM transaction. A stuck card can leave you exposed to unwanted help or card loss.Cape Town 2Read
  11. 11 Cards and ATMsOccasionalArmed robbery at ATMsA robber threatens you at an ATM and may force you to withdraw money.JohannesburgRead
  12. 12 TaxisOccasionalUnlicensed airport taxi toutsSomeone inside the terminal offers you a taxi. These unlicensed touts can lead you into paying more.Johannesburg 2Read
  13. 13 TaxisOccasionalAirport taxi drivers blocking access to the shuttleTaxi drivers try to intercept travellers before they reach the cheaper airport shuttle. The approach can be aggressive.DurbanRead
  14. 14 TaxisOccasionalTaxi price fixingOperators coordinate fares, which can make traditional taxis expensive. A meter may not be used, and bargaining is usual.JohannesburgRead
  15. 15 Buses and trainsCommonMinibus drivers claiming to serve your destinationA driver says the minibus goes to your destination to get your fare. You are then dropped at a crossroads and told to change vehicles.JohannesburgRead
  16. 16 Changing moneyCommonHidden currency-exchange commissionsThe displayed exchange rate does not show a large commission. The amount you receive can be much lower than expected.Banks and bureaux de change across South Africa, particularly those left of the arrivals door at O.R. Tambo International Airport 1Read
  17. 17 ShoppingCommonInflated curio prices and uncertain authenticityBuyers with foreign accents are often quoted much more than local buyers for African curios. A high price also does not guarantee an authentic item.Cape Town 2Read
  18. 18 Buses and trainsOccasionalRickshaw rides that spill your pocketsThe rickshaw tips backwards during the ride. Items fall from your pockets and can end up with the driver.Durban 1Read

Where to stay alert

  • O.R. Tambo International Airport, JohannesburgBaggage theft, unlicensed taxi touts inside the terminal and exchange counters with large commissions.
  • King Shaka International Airport taxi rank and shuttle area, DurbanTaxi drivers may aggressively intercept travellers heading for the cheaper shuttle.
  • Victoria Street Market, DurbanPickpocketing is specifically warned about.
  • Durban beachfront rickshaw ridesTipping during rides can spill valuables from passengers' pockets.
  • V&A Waterfront, Cape TownSouvenirs can carry tourist prices and may not be authentic.
  • Table Mountain footpaths, Cape TownRobberies occur on the footpaths. Walking alone should be avoided.
  • Hatfield Plaza, PretoriaBeggars can be persistent. The busy shopping area is otherwise described as having little chance of serious trouble.

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • At O.R. Tambo, decline taxi offers inside the terminal and use the licensed queue outside.
  • Confirm the meter or agree a total fare before the trip.
  • Use a taxi or ride-hailing service after dark, even for short trips.
  • In Johannesburg, use minibus taxis only with a local who understands the routes.

Money

  • Ask how many rand you will receive after all exchange fees.
  • Carry only the cash you need and keep routine spending money separate.
  • Compare curio prices and bargain at open markets; shop prices are fixed.
  • Do not pay a stranger before you have the goods in hand.

Cards and ATMs

  • Refuse all ATM help from strangers.
  • Cover your PIN and keep control of your card.
  • Carry only the cards you need and set sensible withdrawal limits.
  • If a card sticks, contact the ATM helpline and your card issuer immediately.

Your belongings

  • Keep valuables in hand luggage and secure checked-bag zippers.
  • Keep your phone, camera and jewellery out of sight on the street.
  • Keep bags closed and hook them under a table or chair leg when seated.
  • In cars, lock doors, keep windows up when stopping and hide valuables.
  • Secure loose pocket contents before a Durban rickshaw ride.

Nights out

  • Arrange transport to and from your evening destination.
  • Have the driver meet you outside the bar or restaurant.
  • If you must walk, use well-lit, busy streets.
  • Avoid dark, deserted areas and unfamiliar routes after sunset.

Where you stay

  • Choose accommodation with security, especially given the added risk during power cuts.
  • Put valuables in the safe or arrange secure storage with staff.
  • Secure doors and windows, and keep valuables away from open windows.
  • Ask staff for advice on safe routes and areas to avoid.

Tours and guides

  • Visit townships with an experienced guide or someone who knows the area well.
  • Choose an official township tour rather than exploring alone.
  • Go into the mountains in a group of at least four.
  • Plan your route and avoid isolated walking trails.

What travellers say about South Africa

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

How likely am I to be scammed or robbed in South Africa?

Most visitors have a trouble-free stay, but theft and street cons need care. Risks include airport baggage theft, pickpocketing, robbery and overcharging. Ask your accommodation about local routes and avoid deserted areas after dark.

How do I avoid airport taxi touts?

At O.R. Tambo, decline offers inside the terminal. Use the licensed taxi queue outside and insist on the meter before getting in. A hotel pickup is another option.

What should I check before exchanging money?

Ask for the exact rand amount you will receive after all commissions. A good displayed rate can hide fees that reduce your money by 10% or more.

What should I do if someone offers to help at an ATM?

Refuse the help and keep control of your card. If the card sticks, contact the ATM helpline and your card issuer immediately. Cancel or freeze the card.

Can I bargain for souvenirs?

Yes, at open markets and with street vendors. Shop prices are fixed. In Cape Town, foreign visitors may be quoted two to three times local prices for curios, so compare prices and negotiate.

How can I protect my checked luggage?

Keep valuables in your hand luggage. Secure all checked-bag zippers with plastic quick-tie straps and consider cling wrap. Baggage theft is common, especially at O.R. Tambo.

How do I reduce smash-and-grab risk while driving?

Lock doors, keep windows up when slowing or stopping, and put valuables out of sight. Stay alert to people approaching at traffic lights and stop signs.

Is it safe to walk back from dinner or a bar?

Arrange a taxi or ride-hailing service after dark, even for a short trip. Have the driver meet you outside. If you must walk, stay on busy, well-lit streets.

Can I explore townships or Table Mountain alone?

Use an experienced guide or someone who knows the township well. For mountain walks, go with at least four people. Robberies occur on Table Mountain footpaths, and walking alone should be avoided.

What should I do during an armed robbery?

Do not resist, negotiate or look the attacker in the eye. Hand over your valuables. Once safe, report the robbery to police and block any stolen cards.

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